When Microsoft first announced its plans for Windows Phone 8 in June 2012, it also revealed its hardware partners; Nokia, Samsung, HTC and Huawei. Since then, the first three companies have launched Windows Phone 8 smartphones and Huawei will have its own device in the marketplace soon.

Now there's word that 2013 could bring a fifth Windows Phone hardware partner for Microsoft and its one that has some history with the company: Lenovo. ZDNet.com reports that the company's vice-president JD Howard said there is a "good chance" we will see a Windows Phone device from Lenovo sometime this year.

The final decision on whether or not to enter the Windows Phone business won't be known for a few more months. Howard said that the division he is in charge of, the Mobile Internet and Digital Home (MIDH) group, has sent a proposal for a Windows Phone-based smartphone to Lenovo's management; the "go-no go" for their proposal is expected sometime in April.

Of course, Lenovo has a long history with Microsoft thanks to its PC plans and Lenovo has launched a number of Windows 8-specific products in the last few months. There are also persistent rumors that Microsoft could launch its own "Surface" phone product.